Mobile County school board cancels meeting to discuss construction funds

MOBILE, Alabama -- The Mobile County school board has canceled a meeting it had planned to hold at 1 p.m. today to decide how to spend $100 million worth of construction funds.

The board was also going to set goals for its new superintendent, Martha Peek.

This is as schools are closed today through Wednesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. Current forecasts have it making landfall between Texas and Mississippi. But Alabama could experience rain, flooding and strong winds.

Gov. Robert Bentley has issued a mandatory evacuation for Zones I and II, which include areas south of Interstate 10 and east of Interstate 65, including downtown and midtown Mobile.

With that, shelters could be opened as early as this afternoon. Public schools serve as shelters. So, schools spokeswoman Nancy Pierce said the schools had to close in case state officials decide to open shelters.

Many daycares and private schools follow the lead of Mobile County in deciding when to close. But, notably, all Catholic schools as well as the University of South Alabama are still having classes today.